Feathers

[millvi]

I have a 6 month old hen who is limping. On exam nothing out of the ordinary except many feathers still incased in waxy substance not allowing them to open on backside under vent and sort of between legs. Could this be the cause. Please advise. Thanks

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Sounds like new feathers growing in. Generally they don't limp because of it, but it is possible.

 

[ADozenGirlz]

Chickens do not limp due to molting. Do you have older birds in your flock? Did you check her feet for any lesions?

I have a 6 month old hen who is limping. On exam nothing out of the ordinary except many feathers still incased in waxy substance not allowing them to open on backside under vent and sort of between legs. Could this be the cause. Please advise. Thanks

 

[millvi]

All the same age. Yes checked feet, nothing there out of ordinary.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi @millvi Welcome To BYC

Can you post some photos of your pullet - the waxy feathers, how she stands and the vent?
Has she started laying eggs yet - if so, when was the last time she laid an egg?
What type of food/treats do you feed?

You may need to restrict her activity. If she has sprained her foot/leg, it can take several days to weeks to heal, depending on how badly she injured it. Placing her in a wire dog kennel inside the run so she can be with the flock is a good way to do this.
Offer poultry vitamins in her water, see that she is drinking well and eating.
Keep us posted.

 

[Flaisure]

Can anyone help me? I have 3 hens who have feathers that's look like they have been cut. But they are a little sharp and it's just the shaft of the feathers. Can anyone help me with what this might be? It's not from mating.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

View attachment 1133368
Can anyone help me? I have 3 hens who have feathers that's look like they have been cut. But they are a little sharp and it's just the shaft of the feathers. Can anyone help me with what this might be? It's not from mating.

Looks like it's molting and growing in new feathers. Those are called pin feathers. When the feathers are done growing in the sheath will come off usually during preening.

 

[Flaisure]

Looks like it's molting and growing in new feathers. Those are called pin feathers. When the feathers are done growing in the sheath will come off usually during preening.

I have 2 that have about a 2 inch patch at the end of there tails. They have been there for about 6 months. Now one with it on her neck. Olive the one with the patch on her neck just molted in November of last year. I checked for lice or any other bugs but can't find any.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Birds molt every year in the fall. The one with missing tail feathers were probably pulled out by others.

 

[Flaisure]

This is Taffy's back and olives neck.